How is lung cancer caused?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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The specific causes of lung cancer are not completely clear, but there are some high-risk factors. Research has shown that lung cancer is influenced by a combination of genetic defects and internal and external environmental carcinogens. It is undeniable that long-term heavy smoking is the most important carcinogenic factor for lung cancer, with the amount and duration of smoking being positively correlated with the incidence of lung cancer. Secondly, environmental factors, such as working with asbestos or in mining areas, are also very relevant to the incidence of lung cancer. Thirdly, irregular eating habits, rest, alcohol consumption, indoor combustion, coal smoke, fumes from kitchen cooking, and carcinogenic substances released from indoor decorations and materials are also related. Fourthly, the body's internal immune status, metabolic abnormalities, genetic factors, and chronic lung infections also have a significant impact.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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What should I do if lung cancer causes coughing up blood?

Lung cancer refers to a condition where, due to genetic mutations in human cells, cells grow disorderly or wildly, forming a solid mass-like lesion primarily known as lung cancer. Due to the uneven growth of lung cancer, local necrosis can occur, leading to bleeding, making coughing up blood a very common clinical manifestation in lung cancer. The severity of coughing up blood is classified into mild, moderate, and severe. Generally, if a single instance of coughing up blood is less than five milliliters, it can be managed with Yunnan Baiyao. However, if the amount exceeds 100 milliliters, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to prevent life-threatening risks from massive hemoptysis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Is a cough indicative of lung cancer?

Lung cancer occurs when the tissue cells in the lungs lose their normal genetic regulation, mutations occur in the genes, and normal tissue cells grow disorderly, forming a disease characterized mainly by tumors, known as lung cancer. The clinical manifestations of lung cancer can include choking cough, cough, coughing up blood, fever, weight loss, and other symptoms. However, it does not necessarily mean that a choking cough is definitely lung cancer. For example, conditions like bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even pneumonia and lung infections can cause choking coughs. Some colds may also present symptoms of choking cough. Therefore, a choking cough is not necessarily indicative of lung cancer. It is essential to consider the patient's age, occupation, smoking history, and if available, to combine this information with chest X-rays to make a comprehensive determination of whether it is lung cancer.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Is lung cancer contagious?

The occurrence of lung cancer is associated with smoking, air pollution, and working in environments such as coal mining. However, lung cancer is not contagious. Therefore, in clinical settings, family members of patients often ask doctors whether lung cancer can be transmitted through the respiratory tract. It can be assured that lung cancer is not contagious; only communicable diseases like tuberculosis can be spread this way.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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How to treat dry cough caused by lung cancer?

Dry cough is a very common symptom in clinical practice, caused by many factors which are also very complex. Some patients might clearly have lung cancer. Due to the presence of lung cancer lesions, patients can experience irritating dry cough as well as symptoms like hemoptysis, chest pain, and chest tightness. It is possible that some patients do not exhibit symptoms of dry cough, perhaps due to other causes. Therefore, for dry cough, we need to identify if it is caused by lung cancer, as it often requires surgical treatment to control the symptoms. Some patients with minor lung cancer who experience dry cough might be able to control it with appropriate medications. However, to effectively control symptoms of dry cough caused by lung cancer, surgical removal is generally necessary and is the ultimate treatment plan.

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Written by Hu Zhong Dong
Medical Oncology
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Causes of Lung Cancer

The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, but many people who have never smoked also develop lung cancer. One possible reason could be related to kitchen fumes. Chinese cooking habits often involve high-temperature frying and stir-frying. After frying in hot oil, the higher the temperature, the more harmful substances are in the fumes, which over time could lead to lung cancer. Some patients develop lung cancer due to air pollution; secondhand smoke is also a significant cause. For example, if a husband smokes, the likelihood of his wife developing lung cancer is more than 200% higher than in the general population, indicating that smoking harms not only the smoker but also their nearest and dearest family members. Additionally, there are other potential causes including psychosomatic factors such as chronic insomnia, depression, decreased immunity, genetic factors, and more.